New York Edges Out BWE In Tough, Tight Contest

In the final game of the day the New York Magpies faced the Baltimore/Washington Eagles. Baltimore has had the wood on the Magpies in their last few meetings, so the Pies were keen to put in a good performance. This was clear from the outset as the Magpies, who have been starting slowly all season, attacked the ball and were up and about early. Neither team was able to wrestle ascendancy from the other and it was clear this was going to be a tight game and go down to the wire. Batty, Heffernan and Mitchell were again good in the middle with Oui, Smith and Lin all providing extra run when they were rotated through the midfield.

Toby, Nick Walker and Brad Davis’ physical presence in the forward line was telling as they chased hard and put plenty of pressure on the BWE defenders. Keating and Mapo carried on their form from the first game and provided excellent targets to straighten up the Magpies. Squires, McCormick and Smiley (on his 32nd birthday) all made valuable contributions when called upon. The first half was highlighted by a tremendous individual play by Toby, who gathered the ball from 50, broke a few tackles and kicked truly from 35 metres. He ensured the Magpies went into half time with a small lead.

In the second half it was much of the same. Both teams were ferocious at the ball and New York was determined to keep up the intensity. Julian Mason was sent off after a bit of Argy Bargy, but it seemed that only steeled the group to push harder for a win.

The backline was on top with McMaster and Norman controlling the BWE talls and Tommy Thompson, back for his first game of the year, Squires, Lewis and Mantzaris all playing like warriors down back.

The Pies managed another goal in the second half with the pace of Murphy and the class of Hawkins proving vital. In a great all around team performance the Pies won by 3 goals. Captain for the day and in his last game for his beloved Magpies, James Hawkins was carried off to end the day on a high.